Embrace Life

the current | seven

listening to ted talks
eating too little - falling back into bad habits
drinking too much wine - too often
wearing clothes that are getting baggier by the day
feeling a bit intimidated
wanting more and less, it's confusing
needing a hug
thinking much positive self-talk
enjoying joy-filled laughter
wondering how it'll all get done
creating a life worth living
procrastinating no more, no time!
pondering paint colours
loving my children with my whole heart, always
anticipating much, so much more

idea discovered on this blog. i write my current the last thursday of each month.

where is your current taking you?

Ella Publishing Co. | WIN a FREE e-book!

Many of us struggle with the writing aspect of this wonderful memory keeping craft and Ella Publishing Co. has - again - come to the rescue! A new series of eBooks - the List It! Journaling Guides which includes the Childhood Edition, a Holiday Edition and soon, an Everyday Edition.

Journaling is one of my favourite parts of album making, but I know that sentiment is not shared by many! Putting your thoughts into a list format is so much less daunting. That's why these are so great - they are overflowing with journaling prompts for lists (the childhood edition has 91 prompts and the holiday edition includes 94!) So simple, so easy. For those of us more verbose, they are great idea prompts for pages of any kind!

(Click on the e-books above to purchase the volume you want!)

In honor of the release of these new journaling e-books, I'm giving away a copy of the Childhood Edition of List It! (pdf ($7.99) or digi ($9.99) version) courtesy of the ladies at Ella. Just leave me a comment and tell me what you like - or don't like - about journaling on this post and I will draw a random winner on Friday, July 1st (Canada Day!) sometime in the evening.

EEK!! The opportunity to win this book ends earlier - on JUNE 30th! I want the super secret code to work for you :) I'll draw a random winner by NOON on Thursday, June 30th.

Week In The Life 2011 :: One Month Away!

Front and Back pages of my Week In The Life album in April 2010

I am beyond excited, and so looking forward to participating again one of the most fulfilling projects I've completed. If I could only manage only one creative endeavour each year, a Week In The Life, hosted annually by the immensely talented and inspiring Ali Edwards, would be it.

My album from 2008: OCTOBER

My album from 2010: APRIL

The dates have been chosen and plans are underway, I'm looking forward to a summer version to add to the autumn (2008) and spring (2010) completed previously. As always, at this point I'm not sure what format I'll choose to use: there are just so many brilliant options. Now that my digital skills are more evolved, I'm very tempted to try a fully digital album. Since I'll be in the midst of selling and packing a household, that might be the wisest choice! I'm looking forward to seeing what AE creates for Designer Digitals in the next few weeks, even the older templates are something to consider.

I have not spent much time with my camera in hand over the last couple of months as there has been so much going on - just not of a celebratory or capture-worthy nature. It will be nice to get back into a daily routine again as I have missed capturing and telling our stories.

Only one month away!

Are you participating?

2011 | Personal DO | 06 Who I'm Meant To Be

source

I am so happy Oprah lives on - online :)

Yesterday, while taking a bit of a break, I took a "Who Am I Meant to Be" test written by Anne Dranitsaris, PhD, which was found in the Spirit Newsletter I receive. I always like this kind of test, but it is particularly appealing now that I'm wondering what path to take moving forward.

Just when you think things are changing, they stay the same. Why was I not surprised?

YOU ARE STRIVING TO BE IN CONTROL

You are a leader: You approach everything as though you were born to be in charge. Confident, assertive, and decisive, you know what you want and you go after it. You also look out for family, friends, and community—you feel you know what's best for them—and have no fear of confronting anyone who challenges your ideas. Taking the driver's seat, you also generously donate time and energy to people and neighborhood projects.

What to watch out for: When you feel threatened, or others refuse to go along with your agenda, you can become confrontational and domineering, sometimes to the point of being dictatorial. Practice letting someone else take charge on occasion. Also try meditation; it can help you be-come more aware of your controlling impulses and ease the anxiety that may be provoking them.

Looking ahead: You discover your purpose when you take control of your environment. For you, finding a decision-making role is key. That could mean anything from producing a play to spearheading a global campaign for something you care about. In work, you're suited for leadership positions in education, government, industry, finance, religious institutions, or politics. But you can find satisfaction anytime you're given the autonomy to do things your own way.

YOUR SCORES

Many people have two or three strong striving styles, and they can all be important in leading you to the person you are meant to be. If you have a few "highest" scores, read each matching description, and see what rings most true.

Striving to HELP: 15
Striving to be RECOGNIZED: 12
Striving to be CREATIVE: 16
Striving to be SPONTANEOUS: 15
Striving to be KNOWLEDGEABLE: 16
Striving to be SECURE: 16
Striving to be IN CONTROL: 17

What about you?

CAREER SUGGESTIONS:

Striving to be in control: Decisiveness and authority come easily to this type, so they work best in leadership roles:

Restaurant manager
Healthcare administrator
Sales director
Teacher
Political consultant
Marketing manager
Advertising executive
Politician

Hmm. No writer or photographer in that list, eh? No worries, I'll figure something out as I move along. My plan is along the lines of my old work which would be close to marketing manager - but this time with a twist :)

I have to say, I'm happy given my current circumstances that this is my result. Every skill is being employed. Another result may have had me in a puddle.

If you take the test, let me know YOUR results! Are you who you meant to be, or should you be doing something else?

The Interviews | Elizabeth Dillow

Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series. Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to a tremendously talented woman I've admired - as mum, scrapbooker and positive influence - for ages! Many already know her, but here you can learn just a little bit more about Elizabeth Dillow. Join me:

What age did you start keeping a journal? I'm the worst journal-keeper in the world—I have a fabulous collection of beautiful blank books, all mostly empty. I was the kid in high school who completed her journaling assignments in English class the night before, all in different pens so it didn't look like I was writing them all the night before. Sigh. As far as keeping a blog, though, I've been consistently at it for six years this March!

Whose diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read? My daughter's. But don't worry, I won't.

Who have you suspected of reading your diary? I wrote in a diary for most of my fourth grade year, and I'm pretty sure anyone who picked it up at the time would find it too boring to waste time reading it.

What is your idea of the perfect journal? I love Canson Sketchbooks for jotting down notes about creative things I see or sketches I want to interpret on a scrapbook page, and I love narrow-ruled yellow legal pads for list-making.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)? "Where is the brush?!?" With three girls in the house, I think I say it 72 times a day.

What quote most speaks to you? "A good photograph tells a story, it reveals a place, an event, a state of mind; it's more powerful than pages and pages of writing." —Isabel Allende, Portrait in Sepia

Who (or what) inspires you? I'm always inspired by spending time in downtowns, exploring the shops and streets; graphic design; my family.

Who is your favourite fictional character? Anne Shirley! Also, Ilana Davita Chandal from Chaim Potok's Davita's Harp.

Who are your favourite writers? Amy Tan, Maeve Binchy, Anna Quindlen, Sandra Dallas, Ivan Doig, L.M. Montgomery, J.K. Rowling, Amy Krouse Rosenthal... to name a few.

Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with? Organization.

What is your greatest creative talent? Presentation.

What is your greatest creative challenge? Making/finding time to act on all the ideas in my head. I'm good at ideas, not always good at the timely execution of ideas.

. . . . .

Elizabeth Dillow is a co-founder of Write.Click.Scrapbook., author of The Scrapbooker's Almanac, an occasional author for Ella Publishing Company and an instructor at Big Picture Classes. Her brand loyalty to Apple, Canon, Pilot, and the Cleveland Indians borders on obsessive. She lives in Cheyenne, WY (for the time being) with her husband, Matt, and three daughters: Madeline, Grace, and Bridget.

. . . . .

In answer to "How Do I Know Lee?": I honestly don't remember how I first became acquainted with Lee, but she is one of the very creative people who live inside my computer who I'm always happy to "see" around! : )

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Up next? My friend Lori Mancini.

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Thank you so much for participating, Elizabeth!

tgif :: june 2011

I'm trusting my instincts. For the first time in a long time. It's working.

I'm grateful for the risilience of my children. They have gone through a whirlwind month of emotional and physical changes and they are all still kind and positive. I am grateful and relieved.

I'm inspired by the people in Vancouver who came out to clean up the day after the riots - plenty out with brooms to care for the place they call home. That is what I want to hear about in the news, not endless sensationalized coverage of stupidity.

Do you want to participate in TGIF? If so, get the scoop over at Ordinary Courage. Even if you don't want to participate, do yourself a favour today and head over anyway. You won't regret it!

The Interviews | Char O'Hara

Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series. I'm a day late, but wanted to get my 12 of 12 posted on a timely basis - and not freak everyone out with two posts in one day!

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to a fierce and wonderful woman, my friend Char O'Hara. She is loyal, kind and genuine. And a really picky eater. Char has never met an opinion to which she does not give voice - refreshing and sometimes startling. Then you just have to laugh!  My life is better for having her in it. Join me and get to know Char:

Doing this one handed, so bear with me on the typos :) Some answers are short because it is hard to type.
 
What age did you start keeping a journal? My earliest memory of a journal was in Grade 2. It was a Strawberry Shortcake diary that had a strawberry key. I loved it. It even smelled like strawberries!! Then I stopped and started several times as I got older. Now, I use my scrapbooks as my journal.

Who’s diary/journal (dead or alive) would you like to read? My nannie's, Elton John, John Lennon, Steven Tyler, Martin Luther King, Queen Elizabeth....so many I would be reading for a long time!

Who have you suspected of reading your diary? I am sure my sister read my diary at some point. I don't think my mother would have done so, but now that I am a mother, I would "sort of" understand. Terrible, I know.

What is your idea of the perfect journal? One that fits my personality, feels like I have "known" it forever, good tough pages that would allow for doodles and scratches. Because lets face it, anger is a good release in a journal!

Which words or phrases do you most overuse (in speech and/or writing)? "Seriously?" , "Are you freaking kidding me??" "Kife (which is a family word) and as must as I hate to admit it, I say "Dude" quite a bit. Again, terrible.

What quote most speaks to you? I love quotes. Our family motto is "Live well, laugh often , love much". I also like "The only way to predict your future is to create it", and "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Who (or what) inspires you? My son Jonah inspires me everyday to be a better person. I could never imagined the feeling I have as being his Momma. That is my daily inspiration. I am also inspired by my many creative friends who I have met thru scrapbooking and blogging. True to form real people.

Who is your favourite fictional character? Atticus Finch, Beth from Little Women, Daisy Buchanan. I love characters that are true to themselves, accept their faults and judgements.

Who are your favourite writers? Harper Lee, Mark Twain, Sidney Sheldon, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen

Which natural talent would you most like to be gifted with? I wish I had a talent of drawing or at least getting the gist of it. Stick people just don't cut it, you know?

What is your greatest creative talent? I am not sure. I am always looking to improve whether it be photography, the art of scrapbooking or writing. I am often asked to "journal" for others on their pages.

What is your greatest creative challenge? Definately photography - I wish I could capture the perfect shot, move out of "auto", learn how to capture the right backdrop. I also have a challenge with colour. It is not something I have an eye for.
. . . . .

I am happily married (14 years) to a wonderful man, Sean. We are the proud parents of Jonah who is 8 years old. We recently moved to a small town called Brooklin and we are loving it here! We are climbing the same hill as everyone else - just trying to live life to the fullest. I am a woman who believes in tradition and values and I will ALWAYS own my words. That's me - a Momma, a wife, a daughter, a sister and always a friend.

I met Lee through a message board (that quite frankly doesn't deserve credit) and we were able to meet in person. Lee and I clicked and a new friendship was made. We may not see each other often (a sin, really) but Lee knows I have her back as much as she has mine. Lee is a truly genuine woman who I will always be thankful for knowing. (Isn't she the sweetest? - Thanks Char, I'm thankful for you!)

. . . . .

Up next? The ever talented Elizabeth Dillow!

. . . . .

Thank you so much Char for participating!

12 of 12: June 2011

01. I have only one cup of coffee every morning. Lately I wish I could enjoy it - but until I get a new coffee maker I'm stuck with the Tim Horton variety. Almost tempted to switch to tea!

02. Caden banged up his knee at rugby practice yesterday so insisted on having his injury fully wrapped before heading out to play in the games today.

03. The rhododendron are starting to bloom. The colour is gorgeous!

04. Chloe attended a surprise birthday party - thrown for her by her friend Kayla - and came home with a HUGE banner. So sweet.

05. Teenage boys - save me. I want to bubble wrap the house!

06. And there she is, officially 12 years of age (at exactly 12 noon on June 12).

07. Most of the afternoon was spent cleaning out and scrubbing out the refrigerator. What I wouldn't give for a self-cleaning fridge.

08. Oh, the squeels of laughter and torture. Claire had Caden in her grip and really didn't want to let go.

09. Purchase papers - the process has begun.

10. Had to collect Cole from a buddies house before heading out to dinner.

11. It was wonderful to have my parents drive in from Toronto - not an easy feat given all of the construction. We had a lovely dinner at Cucci's in Bronte. All eleven of us!

12. I was pooped upon our return home. A quick brushing and then we settled in to watch the Tony Awards on television. Love me some show tunes! I really should take in more theatre.

The Interviews | Monika Wright

Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series. (Sorry for the delay. I really have to figure out my AM/PM when scheduling posts!)

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, one of the most energetic and creative women I know, Monika. She is such a motivator, cheerleader and support and I'm thrilled to share time with her on the Ella team. My life is so much more full, fun and kind with Monika in it. Join me and get to know Monika Wright:

What age did you start keeping a journal? I'm pretty sure that I did the diary scenario back in middle school but haven't ever really kept a journal until last year when I created a Gratitude Journal using my paper scraps and random journaling spots. I used ti to write a short, thankful thought for each day. It was very liberating.

Who's diary/journal {dead or alive } would you like to read? I think reading the diary of a frontier Mom, back in the days when our country was still just a wilderness, would be interesting AND make me much more appreciative for the comforts and conveniences I take for granted.

Who have you suspected of reading your diary? I don't think anyone ever read my middle school diary, although my two older kids have read through some of the entries in my Gratitude Journal. Which is totally okay...I keep it out in my craft room...nothing to hide and it has initiated some really wonderful conversations.

What is your idea of the perfect journal? One that makes me want to write each day. Which to me means bright, happy colors and fun surprises on each page. My 2010 Gratitude Journal did that while my 2011 journal, which has a much looser format, does not motivate me to write each day. Guess I know what I'm doing for 2012, right?

Which words or phrases do you most overuse {in speech and/or writing}? "mmm-kay," which my 5-year old continually reminds me is not a word. It is usually my response when one of the kids asks me a question while I am concentrating on something else, so I respond "mmm-kay" until a few moments pass and I realize what they just asked and then I respond with the appropriate answer!

What quote most speaks to you? This is really a phrase, but I always think of it when I am having a hard time understanding God's path for me: Everything Happens for a Reason.

Who {or what} inspires you? I'm often inspired by other people, then I like to run with it and make it my own. I'll see something and think to myself, "Well, what if I just combined this from here and that from there...." and a project is born. Having two young ones in the house again also inspires me to do the new, and few, things that I didn't get around to doing with my 19-year old son, who just left home 2 weeks ago to serve in the United States Navy.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Can't say that I have a favorite. I find quirky goodness in so many characters. Kind of like real life.

Who are your favorite authors? I read for pure pleasure and escapism, and the mystery genre is my go-to arena. I started reading Andrew M. Greeley in high school and now read Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, James Patterson and John Grisham. It's been a while, but I have been known to also ready sappy romance, chick-lit titles, too!

What is your greatest creative talent? I think I can, I think I can...that's what I tell myself. I don't have any formal training in the arts, but just rely on my instinct to tell me whether my ideas will work or not. I am a very "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of gal and very rarely do a do-over. Once it's done, it's done. Which is totally surprising to me as I am a perfectionist in every sense of the word.

What is your greatest creative challenge? Technical issues often times have me exasperated and that's where my techie husband gets most of the credit for keeping me up and running. I am not afraid to ask for help, but it's usually after I've exhausted what I might be able to do on my own.

That and trying to get all the projects completed that I have on my mental TO DO list!

. . . . .

I first became aware of Lee by reading the comments left on some of the same blogs I read. She sounded so interesting and insightful...and that distinctive profile photo was so intriguing! I then met Lee when we were both named to the Ella Publishing Co. Design Team where I realized that she truly IS interesting and insightful and intriguing! Perhaps we'll actually get to meet in real life, one day!

. . . . .

A city girl, now living in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Monika is married with three kids. She loves to cook, read, craft and work in her flower beds. Oh, and she takes way too many photos. Celebrating her one-year blogaversary at I Love It All this June, she is also a work-from-home Mom creating a variety of art prints, mini albums, journals and cards at iloveitall.etsy.com. Monika invites you to use the coupon code CREATIVE20 to enjoy a 20% shop discount at iloveitall on Etsy. Custom and personalized prints are not eligible for this special offer. Be sure to visit Monika's new I Love It All page on Facebook, too! She's a marketing marvel this one :)

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Up next? My friend Charlene O'Hara.

. . . . .

Thank you so much Monika for participating!

4 Simple Goals | June 2011

Last August, Elsie Flannigan posted a simple and doable challenge.

My 4 Simple Goals, June edition, includes:

1. RECONNECT. Circumstance over the last few years has had me feel disconnected from my family. It was like there was a competition, another one I would win. So as not to rock the boat, not to magnify relationships out of my control, I decided not to compete. Now that the playing field has changed, it is time to reconnect, and have my children connect, with my family on a regular basis. Time for Sunday phone calls to the grands and the aunties!
2. WORTHINESS. The fog has been steadily lifting as a result of taking my thyroid meds and my life and my (lack of) participation in it has become crystal clear. I am surrounded by kind and lovely people - and I'm worthy of their kindness and friendship. It's time to participate - and thank them for their patience! So glad to be back in my own skin again.
3. PREPARATION. There is so much to do! At this stage there is no time or tolerance for procrastination, all of it is completely unavoidable. Time to buckle down and just get the list written - and then scratch off every big and little thing on it.
4. WRITE. Now that I'm faced with crazy deadlines my muse has returned! What the *@)&! So, I plan to give into it and write. Write it all. I'll just not share it ;)

REWARD: As with each month, my goals really are reward in themselves. I don't need or want for much, but if I can make it through June, I am going to take myself out to a lovely dinner at Jonathan's - a chi chi restaurant downtown. I think I might just find someone to join me!

EXTRA REWARD: I have to tell you, my kids are incredible. Kind and resilient, positive and enthusiastic, they require a special reward for this month and many others. Plans are being put in place to show them how much their support has been appreciated.

What about you? Do you have a few activity oriented goals you'd like to meet? If so and you participate, let me know! I'd love to see what you have planned.

Change Is in the Air!

If this June turns out to be anything like last June, or the one before it, things are going to be more than a little crazy here on the home front. The olders have their year-end exams and then prize day mid-month, while, on the flip side, the youngers will be bored to tears all day long putting in time until the last day of school - on June 30th! - and need some stimulation when they arrive home. This last month of school is a long one - for vastly different reasons.

How does that affect me?

I love my blog, I love writing, I love reading, I love sharing and I love hearing from everyone. Every day.

I'm taking a break.

I'm going to take the lessons learned at Canyon Ranch and invest my normal blog time into something more in need of healthy focus: me. I had a good head-start but I'm slipping. Way too many distractions! It's time to re-adjust and continue to fill my heart with good feelings, my stomach with healthy food and move, a lot, more. A lot more than I have since my return home.

I'll be back through the summer, but not on a regular basis. As I move myself and the blog toward one filled with more quality than consistency, I'll still share my interviews, my currents, my 12 of 12, my thankful thoughts and a few other projects - just to keep myself from going exercise crazy - and keep you from forgetting me!

I'll continue to update via Facebook and via BBM (PIN: 20E28BE9)

Reflections | May 2011

It was a long time coming, but Spring has finally arrived. In years to come, when I look back, I'm sure this May will be remembered for huge decisions made. Big changes. Weight lifted. Stress reduced. Stress increased. Inhale. Exhale. Just breathe.

Translation: my month has felt like I was being pecked to death by a chicken.

• For the first time in a long time we have a majority government in Parliament, the NDP is the official opposition, the Liberals were annihilated and the Bloq no longer qualify as a party. Some surprises, but for the most part the pundits were *gasp* right.
• Sad news learning ABC had cancelled two of my "stories" from childhood, hell, I still watch them when I can: All My Children and One Life To Live. A real bummer.
• Cole took a field trip to the Credit Valley Conservation Area, I'm sure it was an exercise to see how much mud a bunch of children could gather onto their clothes rather than checking the spring foliage.
• With few exceptions, cops are arrogant and humourless.
• A bit of controversy: Ontario Hockey banned hitting in "recreational" hockey. A lot of players fall under the umbrella of "recreational". I understand the sentiment. I don't agree with it, but I get it. I'm hoping there is a way to make it work to make the kids, the parents and the organization happy. A tall order!
• "Someone" broke my Canon 50mm 1.4 lens! It never leaves my camera and since I'm so used to it, I'm having a hard time becoming comfortable with the kit lens. A whole month without it. Brutal. Definitely time to consider a replacement or upgrade.
• Plans are well underway for Cole's new AA hockey team and we are all looking forward to the year ahead (yes, year, not season) with relief and confidence.
• Upon my return from Canyon Ranch, every cupboard has been cleared out of the kitchen and replaced with less - but all good stuff. I am now able to find every single ingredient necessary to make any CR recipe my kids want to eat.
• Louis continues his endless hours of volunteering at the MOHA. So much so, he put his name in for Vice President of House League and was acclaimed. I'm pretty sure Louis spent half the evenings of the month in one meeting or another at the hockey office or at the town of Oakville. Either way, it was hockey related. Always.
• Caden enjoyed his field trip to the Carpet of Dreams, Persian Fairy Tales presentation and another trip to the Ontario Science Centre. Clearly we've entered field trip season!
• Cole had the yellow buzzed out of his hair and he resembles "Sonic", the hedgehog. Caden waited until after the Mother's Day festivities to get his hair cut.
• I did not get up at the crack of dawn to watch the Royal Wedding knowing I could watch it all day long whether I liked it or not - and I was right. Gotta say, I loved Kate's dress - exquisitely elegant -  and, with many others, I continue to be a huge fan of Harry.
• Cole and Caden both started their CRU rugby careers. Both really enjoy the sport, and we as a family enjoy the whole rugby vibe. Even without Claire playing this year, it is a family event. I'm hoping I can convince Chloe to join in.
• It was so nice to see my family at our annual Mother's Day event in Toronto. I took a ton of photos and everyone looked great!
• Caden is playing 3on3 with a bunch of buddies and the first time I went to watch he got himself ejected from the game. (If you get 3 penalties, you get tossed). He was devastated. The dads loved it - all big smiles and talking about how much "heart" my boy has for the game.
• Cole is enjoying his position as Captain of his school rugby team. Happy to have come in second in their league - only losing to Ridley in the final tournament.
• Claire is playing varsity softball and though she's not in a position she likes, she is playing a sport at which she excels. The team ended stronger than it started ending up third in their loop.
• I'm going to miss Oprah at 4PM weekdays. In the last few years I haven't seen many of her shows but I caught part of the very last one. The part that resonated the most: "I've talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common: They all wanted validation ... They want to know: 'Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?'" I hope I've learned, a little, to validate others.
• I've been very good about taking my thyroid medication and haven't missed a dose! Gotta say, I'm disappointed that my Canadian doctor was so put out by my going to get tests done in the US. Hmm, thinking I wouldn't have had to do it if he had listened to me in the first place. Frustrating.
• Cole was asked to try out for Team Ontario Rugby. Crazy. His first year in club rugby. What an honour. So good for him! The coaches are so incredibly good, tough, positive and validating. I'm totally "getting" the affection people have for these lovely men. Have I mentioned what a great vibe there is in this sport?
• Chloe continues to sing, sing, sing. We're setting it up that she will take singing lessons through the summer.
• The only time Cole is on the ice - until Training Camp in August - will be skating lessons on Tuesdays and the occasional game with a summer team. I venture to speculate that he will actually be a better hockey player come September than he is now. The skating has just started and I'm ready for it to end!
• I went on a wonderful photo walk through Bronte with some girlfriends. I'm hoping it is the first of many.
• Changes are still in progress on the eating and exercising front. Still a long way to go.
• Still trying to get used to Caden receiving phone calls from girls. Hard to wrap my brain around it. Sigh.
• Stripping the deck - hard work! Now it's up to the professionals.
• My most favourite scrapbook store, in the world, has announced that it will be closing at the end of the summer. It makes me sad that such a vibrant, meaningful and social activitity is no longer economically viable for those who provide such great service, encouragement and products.
• Sometimes the best decision for a family is the disollution of it.
• Now that school sports have ended it's time to crack the books with exams starting in a couple of weeks!
• If in doubt, rent a dumpster. What an efficient cleansing process!
• Just when I needed a hero, out of the blue, one stepped up. I am forever grateful. Even more grateful for others who have also stepped up and stepped in.
• We might complain (too often) of the cold and snow in the winter and the hot and humid summers, but I am happy not to live in an area prone to fire, floods or tornadoes. My heart goes out to those who have lost so much.
• LOVE my BlackBerry BBM application! Add me :) PIN: 20E28BE9
• Cole enjoyed strapping the skates on and playing in a local tournament even if it was only for the games played on the Friday.
• With his buddy, Sean, Cole helped friends coordinate a skating party by being on the ice and making sure nothing happened to the children. The adults were another story altogether with one of the goalies getting run over!
• I really enjoy looking at properties. Great perspective on value and some fun (and funky) decorating ideas.
• Due to injury my time was freed up and I was able to watch Chloe and the Oakville Children's Choir perform in their last concert of the season. Tremendous!

Wow. Lots going on around here. I have no doubt that things will be even more busy in the upcoming months! I'd prefer full, but I'll settle for busy. Enjoy your June!